Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies again. My guidance to all those working in the health service is to continue providing the services we provide to women and men. Those services that have saved lives since we introduced CervicalCheck screening programme during the time in government of Deputy Donnelly's party. The mortality rates relating to cervical cancer have decreased by 7% each year. This is a programme that saves lives. For all the imperfections in screening, transparency and the like in recent years, it continues to do so. I ask those providing the services to continue with their work. I make that appeal in the context of last week's comments by Mr. Justice Cross to the effect that his judgment was being misinterpreted by some people. I do not believe that anybody out there is endeavouring to misinterpret what he said for any reasons other than good ones. I accept the bona fides of parties in this. We need to ensure that those analysing the legal impact are lawyers and legal experts. I will work out a way of sharing information with colleagues.

I wish to say to the medical profession, our clinical leaders and people working in the health service that we will engage with their colleges. That was and is our intention and I thank the Deputies for raising the matter. The chief medical officer will play a role in this regard. Dr. Holohan has shown leadership and has brought people together at difficult times in the past. I have no doubt that he will do so again.

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